Who Rules the World?

a new survey from Germany's Bertelsmann Stiftung

Who Rules the World? World Powers and International Order

International relations are in a state of flux. With new powers rising and globalization intensifying the question of today is how the international system will be able to balance old and new power aspirations while simultaneously managing global interdependence.

To answer this question as well as to contribute to the development of effective strategies for Europe´s future role in world affairs the Bertelsmann Stiftung has established the Global Policy Council. The Council brings together international renowned experts from different angles and backgrounds. Among the supporters of the Global Policy Council are former US Secretary of State Henry Kissinger, UN Secretary General Kofi Annan´s former Special Advisor Lakhdar Brahimi, and the former Chilean President Lagos Escobar.

Within this framework the Bertelsmann Stiftung has also decided to investigate public perceptions of the qualities, resources and objectives of world powers. How do the citizens of future world powers view the international role of their respective countries? What dangers and opportunities do they perceive? In what kind of international order would they prefer to live?

A representative survey of public attitudes and perceptions in the United States, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Russia, India, China, Japan and Brazil was conducted. The survey as well as our conclusions can be downloaded.

Survey (350 KB)

Conclusions (120 KB)

Press Release: USA’s Monopoly on World Power Threatened (30 KB)